Soon after the launch of the facelifted BMW 3-Series range, Alpina unveiled the petrol-powered B3 and the diesel-powered D3 S models based on the updated sedan and touring bodystyles, offering increased performance and tasteful visual upgrades. Notably, the models are called BMW Alpina B3 and D3 S, a change that happened after the recent acquisition of the tuner by the bavarian automaker.
Starting with the powertrain, the BMW
Alpina B3 is fitted with an improved version of the turbocharged 3.0-liter
six-cylinder engine producing 488 hp and 730 Nm of torque thanks to revised software, Alpina- specific mono-scroll twin
turbochargers, a larger intercooler, plus optimised air intake duct and cooling
system. This represents an increase of 33 hp and 30 Nm over the pre-facelift B3, bringing it closer to M3 territory. Power is
sent to all four wheels through the xDrive, and the recalibrated eight-speed
sport automatic transmission with reinforced components. The sedan accelerates
from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, while the touring needs 3.7 seconds.
Top speed is increased to an impressive 305 km/h for the sedan and
302 km/h for the Touring.
On the diesel front, the BMW Alpina D3 S
comes with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel, packing hp 350 hp and 730 Nm of torque, just like the model it replaces.
Predictably, this one is a bit slower with a 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds
for the sedan and 4.8 seconds for the Touring. Likewise, top speed is 273 km/h for the sedan and 270 km/h for the Touring. Chassis
upgrades include the Alpina Sport Suspension with new springs, bump stops and
stabilizers, and variable damper control that changes depending on the selected
driving mode (comfort+, comfort, sport, and sport+). There is also a
recalibrated variable sports steering for better feedback. Brakes measure 395
mm at the front and 345 mm at the rear, coming with blue Alpina-branded
callipers, while the pictured lightweight drilled discs and heat-resistant
brake pads are optional.
Alpina is known for the subtle sporty
visual tweaks and the facelifted 3-Series is no exception. The new bumpers come
from the M Sport package but feature Alpina-specific aerodynamic extensions
with a more prominent splitter up front, and a body-colored diffuser at the
back hosting the quad exhaust pipes. The gorgeous multispoke Alpina Classic
20-inch forged alloy wheels shod in bespoke tires are optional, with a set of
Alpina Dynamic 19-inch cast wheels coming as standard. The models are available
in the traditional blue and green shades of Alpina, alongside many BMW and BMW
Individual options. Finally, a set of Alpina stickers is available to further
spice up the exterior.
Inside, the BMW Alpina 3-Series benefited
from the new curved digital cockpit recently introduced by the facelift, with
the larger 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen integrating the BMW Operating
System 8. The digital instrument cluster comes with Alpina graphics, matching
the Alpina badge on the sports steering wheel that is hand-trimmed in Lavalina
leather. There is also an Alpina plaque on the center console with the
production number, Alpina door sills and metal badges on the floor mats,
dashboard and seatbacks.
Both Alpina-flavored 3-Series are already
available to order with the first deliveries starting in October 2022. In
Germany, pricing starts from € 88,600 (US$ 94,500 at current
exchange rates) for the B3 Limousine, and from € 89,900 (around US$ 95,900) for the
B3 Touring. The diesel-powered models are cheaper, starting from € 77,050
(US$ 82,200) for the D3 S Limousine and from € 78,450 (US$ 83,700) for the D3 S
Touring.
